Have Your First Aid Kits Ready

You never know when an emergency might occur or when disaster may strike so it is wise to always be prepared for such instances. One of the very basic things one needs during emergencies is a first-aid kit. Below are suggestions on what you should have in your first aid kits.

Personal First Aid Kit (keep in your purse or car)

Adhesive bandages(assorted sizes)

Antiseptic wipe packets

Antibiotic ointment packets

Personal medication and emergency phone numbers

Travel First Aid Kit

absorbent compress dressings

adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)

adhesive cloth tape

antibiotic ointment packets

antiseptic wipe packets

blanket (space blanket)

instant cold compress

hydrocortisone ointment packets

sterile gauze pads

Oral thermometer

triangular bandages

Tweezers

First aid instruction booklet

Plastic resealable bags (oven and sandwich bags)

Flashlight with batteries

Insect repellant

Sunscreen

Knife (Swiss army-type)

Personal medicationPhone card with at least 60 minutes of time and emergency phone numbers

Household First Aid Kit(for a family of four)

2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)

25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)

1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)

5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)

5 antiseptic wipe packets

2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)

1 blanket (space blanket)

1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)

1 instant cold compress

2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)

2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)

Scissors

1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)

1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)

5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)

5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)

Oral thermometer(non-mercury/nonglass)

2 triangular bandages

TweezersFirst aid instruction booklet

These are merely recommendations on what you should have in your first aid kits. Keep in mind though that your first aid kit,regardless of whether it is for personal, travel, or household use, should always include all the items you might need in an emergency. Most important of which are your medications and emergency phone numbers.

Also, do check your first aid kits regularly. Replaced expired or out-of-date contents and ensure that batteries for the flashlights are working. In addition to having well-equipped first aid kits, it is also important to be informed of emergency procedures and disaster preparedness. Make it a point to research on or attend seminars on what to do during emergencies and how to act when disaster strikes.